Dubai: A holy Quran competition was held here on the occasion of Ramdan. The annual event is organised by Dubai Municipality in coordination with Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department for its labourers during the holy month. As for the event's judges, they look for the acrobatics of the tongue, the concentration of the mind, the calmness of the soul; all qualities required winning the 16th International Holy Quran Award.

Reciters from more than 80 countries arrive in Dubai each year for the event, which ran from July 21 to August 9 and was held at the city's Chamber of Commerce. Perhaps more important than the Dh250, 000 first prize, victory is also a great source of family and national pride. Winners of Quran memorisation, main item of the competition, were honoured and awarded prizes.